Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
1
Quba Mosque – Saudi Arabia Mosque in Indonesia
Mihrab
One wall of the mosque (front) must face towards the Ka'bah in Makkah (in
Arabia) and this is the wall which is marked by the mihrab, a niche (a shallow
space set back from the line of the wall) in the wall which indicates the direction
people must face when they are at prayer. Muslims all over the world turn to face
in the direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah at the time of prayer. This unites the
Muslim community and demonstrates uniformity of devotion.
2
Minbar
To the right of the mihrab is the minbar, a platform with steps. It is from the
minbar that the Imam who leads the prayer addresses the worshippers in what is
called the Khutbah (sermon) on Fridays and Eid days (two Muslim festivals).
Minaret
Some mosques have slender towers called minarets. From the minarets, the
mu'adhdhin (Caller to prayer) makes Adhan (the call to prayer) five times a day
so that all the people around can hear and go to the mosque for the prayer.
Nowadays, loudspeakers are used.
Dome
Some mosques have domes. A dome is a circular structure in the roof creating a
hollow when you look from inside the mosque.
Decoration
There are no pictures, statues or photographs in a mosque. Usually, you will find
verses from the Qu'ran in beautiful Arabic calligraphy. The aim at all times
should be towards simplicity so that there are no distractions from the main
purpose of the mosque, that is, worship.
Washing Facilities
Mosques have special rooms attached to them where worshippers do wudu or
ablution (the washing of particular parts of the body in a particular way) before
doing the prayer. Some mosques have fountains for the purpose of wudu.
Women's Section
Mosques have special sections or galleries for women who pray separately from
men.
3
Who Can Lead the Prayers?
As there is no priesthood in Islam, any Muslim who knows the essentials of
prayer can lead the congregational prayer in a mosque. However, people choose
the best person to be their leader who excels the rest in Qur'anic knowledge and
righteousness. Therefore, an Imam is chosen who is well versed in Islamic law
but it does not mean that only such a person can lead prayers or perform other
religious ceremonies. Any Muslim who has the knowledge can do so as well.
4
Visiting the Mosque:
Most mosques welcome visitors when it is not prayer time and larger Islamic
centres may have facilities to accommodate school groups, with guides to explain
the mosque layout etc.
Contact:
Islamic Foundation of Ireland,
163, South Circular Road,
Dublin 8.
Tel.01-4533242. Fax.01-4532785
E-mail: ifi@indigo.ie